Share

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Since these Jewish Christians, because of their witness to the Messiah, no longer worshipped with other Jews, they should consider praise and acts of service their sacrifices—ones they could offer anywhere, anytime. This must have reminded them of the prophet Hosea’s words, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises” (Hosea 14:2). A “sacrifice of praise” today would include thanking Christ for his sacrifice on the cross and telling others about it. Acts of kindness and sharing is especially pleasing to God, even when they go unnoticed by others. (Tyndal Study Bible)

In this case, where the grammar of one language (Greek) doesn’t fit well with another language (English). In English, “do good” and “share” are action verbs, but in Greek they are nouns. The verb in this statement is “not forget.” Perhaps a better way to translate this is: But do not forget about good works and fellowship, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. The point is not to forget fellowship.Obviously, when we are sharing what we have with others we are demonstrating fellowship, but unfortunately, the translations leave much out. If I told you not to neglect friendship, you would know that I’m encouraging you to bolster your friendships. It could be through kind deeds, or just sitting down and talking with someone. I think this is what the Hebrews writer is after as well. Fellowship with another person doesn’t just happen and effort has to be expended to keep the state of fellowship going. Just because we have it, we should not ignore the relationship.(La Vista Church of Christ)

Have you heard the comment survival of the fittest? The first thing we think of when things are terrible is ourselves. Because that forms part of our survival instinct, which is natural. So to unlearn that habit is going to be hard. We have a duty as Christian to always think of others. We are to be an example to society.

Sharing here does not always mean money. It means sharing of your time, serving and sharing your wisdom. I think of a good friend of mine. He is a unbeliever or I should say, he believes but has never taken that step of salvation. He spends hours in community service. At least 3 – 4 hours a day. Not during working hours after hours. My question is are we better than him just because we believe. I think not. Remember who Jesus said is be the greatest, he who serves most. Salvation is the an essential element, yet that’s no all. Just like my friend you have to do your bit.

“Lord let me reach out to others in all ways possible. In Jesus name. Amen”